Rare 1977 Marks & Spencer Boxed Set 10 High Relief Embossed Floral Cards & Envelopes
A rare set of vintage, high-relief embossed art cards produced for Marks & Spencer, Baker Street, London in 1977. These are not standard printed cards; they feature a sophisticated "low-relief" sculptural effect where the floral designs are physically raised from the cardstock.
Key Features:
Artist/Publisher: Richard Webb Ltd.
Year: 1977 (Copyright marked on reverse).
Design: Botanical study—includes "Creeping Plume Thistle" and other delicate floral arrangements.
Craftsmanship: High-quality die-cut embossing on heavy cream cardstock. The detail is exceptional, capturing the fine texture of the petals and stems.
Markings: Reverse reads: "Marks and Spencer, Baker Street, London, England. Printed in the U.K. © 1977 Richard Webb Ltd."
COLLECTOR'S OPPORTUNITY: A complete, original vintage boxed set of 10 High-Relief Embossed Art Cards and matching envelopes. Commissioned by Marks & Spencer p.l.c., Baker Street, London in 1977, this set features the exquisite botanical artwork of Richard Webb Ltd.
What Makes These Special: These are premium "Low-Relief" cards. The floral designs are physically stamped into the heavy cream cardstock from the back, creating a three-dimensional sculptural effect (see photos for the reverse relief detail).
Set Includes:
10 Embossed Cards: Featuring botanical designs (including the "Creeping Plume Thistle").
10 Matching Envelopes: Many feature a small floral motif on the reverse flap.
Original Presentation Box: Features a large, hand-painted style 3D relief floral plaque on the lid.
Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition / Unused. * Cards: Pristine, no writing, crisp embossing, scalloped "deckle" edges are sharp.
Envelopes: Unused, and without the typical light age-toning of 1970s paper.
Box: Structurally sound and clean. The lid's 3D floral art is intact with vibrant colors.
Excellent vintage condition. The embossing remains crisp and sharp. No yellowing or edge wear (please see photos for close-up details of the relief). These have been kept as collector's items and are unused/ unposted.
Collector’s Note: Richard Webb Ltd was known in the 70s for high-end "paper engineering" and botanical art. These specific relief cards were a premium offering at M&S and are now quite difficult to find in such pristine, unposted condition. They are frequently framed as miniature 3D artworks.
Measurements:
Cards are approximately 10cm x 10cm (Square).
Provenance: Marked on the reverse: “Marks and Spencer p.l.c. Baker Street, London, England. © Richard Webb Ltd 1977. Printed in the U.K.”